Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans are calling on Democrats to oppose new tax proposals. State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, said House Bill 4459 would impose fees on backyard campfires, and House Bill 5112 would impose taxes on retail carryout bags. “By the way Mr. Severin, those s’mores items you just bought at the […]
Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A Chicago alderman says the city’s Complete Streets program is a disaster that’s costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, the city had 30% fewer traffic fatalities in 2024 than in 2021. CDOT Assistant Commissioner Dave Smith discussed Complete Streets capital investments before the […]
Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says progress has been made in conversations with the Chicago Bears. Pritzker announced the expansion of sales tax and revenue bonds for capital projects at a press conference in Belleville on Monday. The governor said STAR bonds were not written for the Bears. “This can be used by […]
Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing a change to the way state parks receive funding, one that could give taxpayers more bang for their buck, according to the bill’s sponsor. Senate Bill 3016, sponsored by state Sen. Don Dewitte, R-St. Charles, would amend the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act to prioritize grants […]
Nation’s first primary states to begin early voting | National
(The Center Square) – Early voting has begun or is about to begin in states with the earliest 2026 midterm election primaries. Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi will hold some of the country’s first primaries with March election dates already set. Each state has different regulations for who can vote in which primaries. […]
Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Gas prices have dropped across the country in recent months, but the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association is warning that higher prices may be on the way in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois and five other Midwestern states opted out of a federal waiver regarding the weight of E10 gasoline, hoping […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information that leads to the indictment or arrest of the gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting of a woman in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon. Gabryel Ayers, 26, died from injuries she suffered after several individuals approached the vehicle she […]
020526 VOTING EARLY (copy) | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Early voting is scheduled to begin Thursday in most Illinois jurisdictions for the state’s Democratic and Republican primary elections March 17. Illinois State Board of Elections Public Information Officer Matt Dietrich said the state’s early voting period lasts 40 days. “It’s five weeks and five days prior to the election, so […]
Chicago mayor defends ICE order, calls for progressive revenue from state taxpayers | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has clarified his stance about the Cook County State’s Attorney’s support for his executive order directing police to refer federal immigration agents for prosecution. When Johnson signed the order last Saturday, he said Burke’s office was in “complete support” of it. Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill […]
Illinois Quick Hits: McIntyre back as inspector general for DCFS | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has reappointed Ann McIntyre to continue serving as inspector general for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. McIntyre has held the role since 2022 and has worked in the DCFS inspector general’s office for 27 years. VOTER ROLL QUESTIONS Illinois U.S. Reps Mary Miller, Mike Bost […]